Dancing with the Stars is a big hit at our house. As avid supporters of the arts we love the costumes, set and lighting design and of course the choreography and dancing. Last Tuesday night, Dancing with the Stars featured a youth dance team. The story of the Camden Sophisticated Sisters Drill Team was incredibly inspiring and a powerful example of the impact the arts have on young lives. This after school dance program is literally saving lives and bringing hope to a place there is little hope.

Camden, New Jersey is one of the poorest cities in America, with one of the highest crime rates and a failing school system. But in the midst of all the struggle and despair, volunteer Tawanda Jones teaches dance classes four days a week, every week of the year – to over 500 kids!!
The dance program is housed in an old water tower and funded entirely through donations.  The program and its dancers are getting some
well-deserved media attention.

Watch this video of their Dancing with the Stars guest performance and get ready to be impressed:
http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars/spotlight-performances/s16-camden-sophisticated-sisters-performance

Check out their website – and consider making a donation to keep these kids dancing.
Website link:    http://camdensophisticatedsisters.org

 

 

 

 

Bette Fetter Founder and CEO of Young Rembrandts and Author of Being Visual [email protected] Follow Bette on Twitter